Things To Do
in Mercês
Mercês is a small coastal town in Brazil, famed for its Afro-Brazilian rhythms, pastel colonial buildings, and vibrant markets along the waterfront. Set between palm-fringed beaches and rocky headlands, the town exudes a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Colorful street life, lively capoeira performances, and seafood-focused cuisine define day-to-day life here.
With easy access to nearby nature reserves and beaches, Mercês makes a compact base for exploring the region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey by visiting the local cultural center where you can immerse yourself in the rich history and art of Mercês. Engage with local artists and learn about the region’s traditional crafts through hands-on workshops. Enjoy a refreshing breakfast at a nearby café, featuring locally sourced ingredients.
After lunch, take a scenic walk through the quaint streets lined with colonial-style architecture and vibrant murals. Stop by artisan shops to find unique souvenirs and support local craftsmen. As the afternoon winds down, settle in at a plaza to enjoy a live music performance by local musicians.
As night falls, dine at a renowned local restaurant that specializes in traditional Brazilian cuisine. Experience the warmth of Mercês' hospitality while sampling delicious feijoada or fresh seafood dishes. To cap off the day, join a community gathering or dance event that showcases local culture and traditions.
Begin with an energizing hike through the stunning trails surrounding Mercês, where you can witness breathtaking views of the landscape. Birdwatching is a must, as many native species can be seen along the paths. Stop midway to savor a packed breakfast while soaking in the serene atmosphere.
After your hike, enjoy a picnic lunch by a tranquil river, allowing the sounds of nature to rejuvenate you. Spend the afternoon exploring local flora and fauna, perhaps joining a guided tour to learn about the region's biodiversity. Capture memorable photographs of the lush surroundings.
As the sun sets, return to your accommodations to relax and freshen up. Dinner can be enjoyed at a rooftop venue that overlooks the serene evening skyline of Mercês. Engage with fellow travelers and share stories of your day's adventure under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🍽Meal for 2 in mid-range restaurant | $25-45 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-120 |
| 🚕Taxi 1 km | $0.80-1.50 |
| ☕Coffee | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm, welcoming locals and rich cultural experiences
- Excellent Bahian seafood and Afro-Brazilian music
- Compact town center is easy to explore on foot
- Beautiful coastline and accessible day trips
- High heat and humidity can be tiring
- English is less common outside tourist spots
- Public transport beyond the city center can be limited
- Weather can be rainy in the wetter months
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Pode recomendar um prato típico?" - Can you recommend a typical dish?
- "Eu gostaria de pagar com cartão" - I would like to pay with a card
Places to Visit in Mercês
Visit one of these nice places.
A historic square framed by pastel façades and a sunlight-dappled church; great for daytime street photography and portraits.
A vibrant street with bright walls and doorways that make for colorful, dynamic compositions.
Waterfront promenade with sea views, boats, and silhouettes at golden hour.
A lighthouse viewpoint offering panoramic coastal vistas, ideal for sunset shots.
Inside-market photography of stalls, textures, and vendors at work.
Food in Mercês
Mercês Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A coconut-rich fish stew simmered in dendê oil, tomatoes, and peppers; best enjoyed with white rice and farofa.
Must-Try!
Black-eyed pea fritters fried in palm oil, served with vatapá and caruru; a quintessential Bahian street snack.
Creamy seafood or vegetarian paste made with bread, coconut milk, dendê, and peanuts; great as a dip or main when paired with rice.
Shrimp version of the classic moqueca, often richer with extra dendê and cilantro.
Okra-based dish typically enjoyed with rice and acarajé; a staple during festive periods.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling hub for fresh seafood, tropical fruits, spices, and ready-to-eat snacks; ideal for lunch inspiration.
Mobile stalls serving tapioca crepes with fillings ranging from queijo (cheese) to bananas and chocolate.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly ‘Olá’ or 'Oi' with a handshake or hug for close friends; addressing elders with a respectful tone is common.
Modest dress and quiet behavior in churches and sacred sites; remove hats and speak softly inside places of worship.
Safety
Tipping in Mercês
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a 5-10% tip is appreciated if no service charge is included; rounding up the bill at casual spots is common. Tour guides and drivers may appreciate a small tip as well.
Cash and credit/debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. PIX (instant payment) is increasingly popular for digital transfers and small payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers; pack light clothing, sunscreen, and a lightweight rain layer. Sea breezes can feel refreshing near the water.
Warm days with cooler evenings; pleasant for outdoor city strolls and photography without peak heat.
Milder temperatures, especially at night; still humid with sporadic rain; a good time for museum and indoor dining experiences.
Balanced weather with blooming plants and longer daylight; ideal for coastal hikes and market visits.
Mercês at Night
Hiking in Mercês
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Epic multi-hour hike to a dramatic 380-meter waterfall in Chapada Diamantina; require a guided group for safety and logistics.
Shaded ascent with sweeping viewpoints over the plateau; a classic Bahian hiking day trip.
Airports
How to reach Mercês by plane.
Main gateway to Bahia for international and domestic flights; connections to major Brazilian cities and some international routes.
Regional airport serving the Bahia coast with domestic flights and convenient access to southern Bahian towns.
Coastal airport serving Porto Seguro and nearby beach towns; popular for Bahian beach itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of Afro-Brazilian communities, long-time families, and younger professionals.
Domestic and international visitors exploring Bahian culture, beaches, and cuisine.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The country’s favorite sport; local matches and pickup games are common on weekends.
Strong coastal conditions create opportunities for surfing, with beaches hosting volleyball and casual play.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mercês.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Ask for vegetable-based moqueca or vatapá without seafood; many kitchens can adapt coconut milk and dendê-rich bases to suit vegetarians.